Transforming your relationship with pain and suffering

Jaw pain (TMJ)

Welcome to your “one-stop-shop” for jaw pain, orofacial pain, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). I hope you find everything you need to get relief from this painful condition.

Why does my jaw hurt?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that usually produces pain in the jaw, neck, and sometimes headaches. It currently affects more than 10 million people in the United States. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as simply “TMJ,” which is just the name of the joint itself. TMD affects more women than men and is most often diagnosed in individuals aged 20 to 40 years. Here are some of the most common causes of jaw pain.

Under normal conditions, most pain goes away on it’s own after a few weeks. It’s as easy as blowing out the flame of a match. However, with pain that lasts longer than 3 months it’s more complicated. This pain can act more like a forest fire. It’s not as easy as just spraying water or waiting for it to burn out. A forest fire requires a comprehensive approach. It needs to be managed from the ground and the air, with chainsaws and heavy equipment, and long hours. If you want relief from chronic pain, it’s going to be a fight. It likely won’t go away on it’s own. You have to deeply invest in the process. While using all the tools listed above you’ll also need to start the DOC (direct your own care) process pioneered by Dr. David Hanscom. If you are serious about fighting the “forest fire” of chronic pain, consider the DOC process as absolutely MANDATORY.

*CAUTION: Jaw pain also can be a symptom of heart attack. Seek medical care immediately if jaw pain is accompanied by: